Our Partners
IJAD Dance Company fuses authentic human stories with cutting-edge technology, crafting XR and live hybrid experiences that redefine performance on their technology playground Open Online Theatre. We create innovative, interactive, and accessible works that invite audiences to engage in meaningful ways.
Founded in 1999 by Artistic Director Joumana Mourad, IJAD pioneers digital-integrated choreography, presenting performances across physical, live-streamed, and social media stages to spark global conversations. Described as “challenging the very nature of what you think a dance performance will look like” (Metro), our work pushes creative boundaries.
With over two decades of storytelling, we invite you to explore IJAD’s unique artistic vision.
IJAD plays a significant role in artistic implementation, theatrical performance, and audience engagement within the HAMLET project, bringing its expertise in hybrid performing arts and immersive technologies. With a focus on soma and embodiment, IJAD explores how AI can enhance storytelling, audience inclusion, and the emotional impact of live and digital performances.
As the lead for Pilot 4 “Echoes Inspire, Words Ignite, Bodies Dance”, IJAD is responsible for transforming social media trends into immersive theatrical experiences. This pilot will leverage HAMLET’s AI-driven narrative and choreography tools to validate how AI can shape culturally relevant and engaging performances. Through VR, MR, and metaverse integration, IJAD will attempt to push the boundaries of digital and physical theatre, creating interactive, audience-driven experiences. The pilot will also include an online training session to share insights and methodologies developed during the project. Furthermore, IJAD supports the development of several project enablers, such as the Cultural Content Adaptation Enabler and the Cross-Domain Audience Engagement Analytics Enabler, by providing datasets and evaluating their implementations to inform the developing partners of the consortium.
Meet the Team
Joumana Mourad
Digital performance specialist Artistic Director/Curator/Sensographer
Joumana Mourad – Innovating Dance & Digital Performance. A pioneer in hybrid performance, Joumana Mourad merges dance, technology, and science. As IJAD’s Artistic Director, she transforms spaces through immersive choreography and digital interactivity. She developed Sensography and founded Open Online Theatre (OOT), redefining performance in virtual and physical realms. A 2022 Bob Lockyer Award nominee, Mourad continues to push boundaries, engaging global audiences across 32 countries with groundbreaking, participatory dance experiences.
Funded by the European Union [GA 101178362]. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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